Many sellers have the impression that in order to sell a home, you just have to list it. While listing is certainly part of the process, there’s quite a bit of preparation to undertake before your home’s listing goes “live” on the MLS.

This month, I’m sharing information about the steps to take when you’re thinking of selling your home. Selling is an emotional process, whether you’ve lived in the home for one year or 20 years. In addition to packing and making repairs and upgrades to get the home ready to view, you may also be busy looking for a new home to rent or buy. Page one offers general tips for sellers as well as tips targeted toward sellers who are trading up, that is, selling a smaller home in order to buy a larger one. Page two offers tips for the seller who is downsizing, or selling a large home in order to buy a smaller home.

Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing or buying a similar home in another neighborhood, give us a call! We can address all of your questions and concerns and offer our expertise to help your home stand out in our market.

If you’re like many people, you’re always looking for ways to save money on your monthly water and utility bills. You turn off the lights when you leave the room, turn off the faucet while you brush your teeth and only wash full loads in the dishwasher. What else can you do?

This month’s information outlines six simple home improvements you can make to help you save on your utility bills. From upgrading your fixtures to applying weather stripping to drafty windows, these simple suggestions are sure to save resources and money.

Do you want to improve the value of your home? Page two outlines three projects that will help you boost its value, whether you’re thinking of listing it now or in the future.

Below are tips to keep in mind when pricing your home for sale. If you’re thinking of selling, give me a call at 312-261-0077!

There are many ways Sandy Spatz helps her clients reorganize their homes, condos and offices.

“I think what makes me the happiest is when I check in with them, and they say it’s still working,” Spatz said. “(When they say) ‘I’m using the new filing system,’ (or) ‘my home just flows better.’ Your house should be a sanctuary. That’s my goal, for you to feel really good in your space.”

Spatz, who lives in Andersonville, started her business in2002, but it’s fair to say that she’s been interested in organizing and re-organizing all her life.She’s worked with clients living in Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, Rogers Park, and the Chicago suburbs, helping them move or to create a more stress-free environment.

Over the years, the owner of Step-by-Step by Sandy has had a variety of clients, some of whom have had a more difficult time sorting through their belongings than most. One woman in particular was recovering from a personal tragedy, and “she was scared to let go of anything. She had experienced so much loss.”

After working with Spatz for an extended period, the client lost 50 pounds, started entertaining again, and obtained a job. “She started feeling better about herself and the future and was able to finally make some progress,” Spatz said.

How did she do it? Every client is different, Spatz said, and she takes time to determine what process will work for them. Are they more visual, meaning it’s helpful for them to have reminders within their sights of what they want and need? Do they have a small apartment or home filled with belongings they don’t need anymore, that they are working to pare down?

“I encourage people to buy a file cabinet and a shredder, but I think the learning comes from establishing a new habit,” Spatz said. “It’s really helping them see and really give 100 percent to try a new system, especially with paper. You have to practice it, learning and asking yourself the right questions. I try to learn how they think and how they live in their home.”

Spatz works with realtors and others when helping her clients move, packing and unpacking boxes and arranging furniture. “If you are able to, the next day, to take a shower, eat breakfast and get dressed for work, then that shows (great progress),” she said.

Different organizers fit different people, Spatz said. “You have to find the one that works for you.It’s a very personal, intimate process. Somebody is going through your stuff with you, and you want to feel comfortable.”

Victoria Marty has written for newspapers and magazines for more than 15 years and recently moved to the Lincoln Square, Chicago area. A frequent runner who loves learning and exploring new places, she has perfected the art of getting lost while simultaneously finding unique landmarks, boutiques and out-of-the-way nooks worth writing about. Her blogs are geared toward the newly transplanted who want to learn as much about Chicago as they can, as quickly as possible.

The Move with Maggie Team works with buyers, sellers as well as investors in the Chicago area. Our team prides itself on being heavily involved with the communities we serve. We enjoy serving on boards, chambers, and volunteering in our local neighborhoods of Andersonville and Edgewater. Our team is skilled in handling all types of real estate and we have expertise in the luxury market.